It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nicole Katherine Trepanier on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Vernon, British Columbia, at the age of 58 years. She passed surrounded by close family.

Nicole was born in Edmonton, AB, on May 6, 1967, and grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Upon graduating from high school at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, BC, she then obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Alberta. Nicole continued her love of learning throughout her life.

Nicole loved to travel and did so at every opportunity that she could, including trips to various music festivals in the southern music heartland of the States and the California wine valley. Nicole played the piano from a young age. She enjoyed travel with friends and family over the years to Italy, France, Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize and Hawaii, soaking in the various cultures. Nicole recently retired and moved to the Okanagan Valley to enjoy the weather and the outdoors. Her new home in Vernon overlooked the beautiful Okanagan Lake. Her time in Vernon was short, but she filled it with memories of happiness and joy. She enjoyed her passion for reading, sitting on her deck with a warm cup of coffee while her two cats, Shadow and Xena, snuggled by her, enjoying the warmth of the sun together. Her two cats brought great joy to her and could always be found by her side. In addition to reading, Nicole enjoyed biking the rail trail by the emerald-colored Kalamalka Lake. She also enjoyed paddleboarding and swimming in the Okanagan Lake. She spoke often to friends and family about the kayaking she did among the painted turtles on Gardom Lake. In between all the outdoor activities, she found enough downtime to sit at the local wineries with a nice glass of white wine, soaking up the scenery.

She will be sorely missed by her brother Christopher (Cindy); niece Chelsea; nephews Cody and Colton; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Nicole was predeceased by her parents, Audrey in 2003 and Adrian in 2024.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the extended family members and friends who sent messages to Nicole and who visited her over the last few months. Those moments truly helped to raise her spirits and brighten her days.

In addition, the family would like to thank all of Nicole’s doctors and nurses at Interior Health Services for their care of Nicole.